Mussoorie: The Uttarakhand Pollution Control Board (UPCB) has issued fresh notices to 49 hotels in Mussoorie for operating without valid consent and slapped penalties of Rs 8 crores for environmental violations on them.
This step has been taken after the National Green Tribunal (NGT) directed to re-evaluate the fines imposed earlier and impose the fine from the date of violation.
34 hotels were operating without the permission of UKPCB
Out of the 49 fined hotels, 34 were operating without the permission of the UKPCB, including those that began operations before or after December 2019 without obtaining the necessary permissions. The remaining 15 hotels had previously obtained permission but failed to renew it. Consequently, the UKPCB has imposed fines on these establishments.
Total fine imposed on 49 hotels is more than Rs 8 crore
UKPCB Member Secretary Parag Madhukar Dhakate announced that the total fine imposed on 49 hotels exceeds Rs 8 crore. These hotels were previously penalized for similar violations earlier this year. However, the UKPCB has confirmed that any fines paid earlier will be deducted from the revised amount. Dhakate stated that the NGT has directed them to re-evaluate the fines for these hotels. Consequently, all relevant department officials and regional officers of the board are instructed to ensure compliance with this decision.
Hoteliers have objected to the new notice
Hoteliers have raised objections to the new notice, with Mussoorie Hotel Association President Sanjay Agarwal pointing out that some operators have already paid fines earlier this year. They are confused about why additional fines are being imposed. The association is seeking legal advice regarding the notice issued by the Uttarakhand Pollution Control Board (UKPCB), and they plan to present their case in court. UKPCB Member Secretary Dr. Parag Madhukar Dhakate explained that, under the Air and Water Act, hotel operators must obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the PCB.
If the fines are not paid on time, further action will be taken
The UKPCB has imposed a fine of Rs 8.30 crore on 49 hotels in Mussoorie for environmental compensation, causing significant uproar. The fines must be paid within one month of receiving the notice, and any previously paid compensation amounts will be adjusted against the new fines. If the fines are not paid on time, further action will be taken. Ajay Bhargav of the Mussoorie Hotel Association mentioned that the fine amount was initially Rs 80 lakh but has now increased to Rs 8.30 crore. The association plans to assist its members by seeking legal advice.
